Even if we grow older and live longer thanks to many medical advances and better general hygiene in recent decades, the “body machine” clearly suffers with age from certain failures. A better understanding of human physiology and negative effects at work in the body makes it possible to act on prevention.
For example, regular exercise helps prevent rheumatism and improve cardiovascular health. Not smoking protects lung health. Having a healthy diet protects against hypertension, diabetes, loss of vision and the risk of cancer.
1. Less hair and dry, wrinkled skin
Due to the decrease in testosterone production, but also for genetic reasons, many men lose their hair with age, especially on the top of the head. As melanin production decreases, the hair will turn white or gray.
Women can also lose their hair, but much less than men. The skin, with the life of years, also tends to be thin, due to the decrease in the production of collagen and elastin. This leads to more infections, dry skin and the formation of wrinkles.
2. Lower lung capacity
The number of alveoli of the vascular tissue at the level of the lung decreases. This reduces oxygen uptake during inspiration. Breathing becomes more complicated, especially after exertion or in the mountains.
With age, the respiratory muscles also shrink and become less efficient. This increases the difficulties of the elderly to perform vigorous physical activities and activities. Likewise, immunity decreases with the reduction of the body’s defense mechanisms. Therefore, the lungs are susceptible to viral or bacterial infections.
3. The liver decreases in size and filters less efficiently
From age 20 to 90, the liver loses 20 to 40% of its volume. The secretory function is impaired and this results mainly in the difficulty in producing certain drugs. That is to say, to eliminate them through the liver. So it is possible that the same dose of medicine that has no side effects in a young person may cause side effects in an older person. Like the lungs, the liver becomes more resistant over the years. The regeneration of liver cells is increasingly slow.
4. Less sense of smell and more nose hair
The lining at the level of the nostrils becomes thin and dry, especially from the age of 50. One of the results of this change is a reduction in the perception of certain smells. Age also promotes hair growth on the nose and sometimes on the earlobes.
5. Listening aloud: “Huh? what are you saying? »
With age, we no longer hear very high pitched sounds. We know, for example, that very high pitched sounds can only be heard by people who are 20 years old and not by those who are 40 years old or older. Gradually, over the years, we also hear the bass sounds less well. In addition, there is a large accumulation of wax that leads to hearing problems.
6. Mouth dry, taste gone
Saliva production decreases, which leads to a more dry mouth. The sensitivity of taste buds to sweet and salty decreases with age. Retraction of the gums can also be seen due to a decrease in the muscle mass of the mouth.
7. Heart failure and high blood pressure
With age, the heart muscle naturally loses its strength. This mechanically reduces blood pumping. With the accumulation of fat, especially in the arteries, the risk of myocardial infarction is increased compared to young people. Reduced heart muscle also leads to hypertension. Another important cause of myocardial infarction, but also stroke. Note that the tendency to hypertrophy will affect men more than women and that regular physical activity can slow down the process.
8. Pancreas down, diabetes risk
The pancreas produces less insulin with age. This results in a poor entry of sugar into the cells and an increase in the risk of diabetes (type 2).
9. Rheumatism: pain in the joints
The structure of cartilage tends to deteriorate with age. This can lead to an increased risk of osteoarthritis and in particular osteoarthritis of the knee. The hands and arms can also be affected by osteoarthritis, especially in women. In addition, ligaments and tendons lose their elasticity with age, which increases the risk of rupture and tearing (eg tendonitis).
10. Sex and sexual organs in half mast
The man, more often suffers from erectile dysfunction and also feels a decrease in desire, caused mainly by a decrease in the production of testosterone. Other age-related factors such as diabetes and hypertension promote erectile dysfunction. In women, the decrease in sex hormones in menopause often leads to vaginal dryness and in men, the prostate volume increases. This leads specifically to benign prostatic hyperplasia, a painful condition and difficulty in urination. In women, the breasts will shrink due to the reduction in fibrous tissue.
11. Lazy Eyes
We know that with age, the lens becomes harder, which will gradually impair vision. The risk of glaucoma, a condition that can cause blindness, also increases with age. Certain disorders such as severe difficulty in distinguishing close objects and colors also occur over the years. Similarly, it can be more difficult to see in dim light, to adapt to light, especially thinking, and to see normally again after bright light appears. A decrease in visual acuity can also come from damage to the tear ducts leading to dry eyes.
12. Brain: less blood, more forgetfulness
Blood flow in the brain decreases with age as does the number of cells such as neurons. From the age of 70, it is therefore more common to suffer from memory problems. We also know that with age the risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s disease increases. Some of the most common signs of dementia include decreased alertness, amnesia, and loss of concentration.
